Applicable to: '90 - '97 1.8 liter
This is a generic, no-name replacement radiator for the Miata from O'Reilly's Auto Parts. Nothing special, looks exactly like the stock unit. I paid 156.99, AutoZone advertised the same price but couldn't deliver fast enough. O'Reilly's had it in 24 hours.
My '94 Miata with 124,000 miles finally sprang a leak. The top tank on the radiator separated from the core - time for a replacement. The reason I'm submitting a review on a no frills replacement part is that this radiator is an EXCELLENT match to the OEM unit in terms of form, fit and function - identical in every respect, fits like a glove. However, it's a universal radiator suitable for an automatic or manual transmission car. My car is a stick so the transmission fluid connections go unused, but the radiator core itself is a full 1.0" thick. The factory radiator I'm replacing is a mere 0.60" thick. So, I'm getting a significantly thicker radiator core with coolant channels that are more than 50% wider than stock. The extra width in no way affects the fit of the radiator, the fans, or any other part.
I was considering an all-metal replacement radiator (like a KOTO) with a double core but couldn't handle the high cost ($350~400) and questionable fit issues. For $157 I got an EXACT fit and a significantly thicker core - not a bad deal and certainly worth considering if you need a replacement and were hoping for a little extra cooling capacity.
Over 30 minutes to remove completely
| Back to Product Reviews | 29 August, 2004 |